Windber authority seeks its share of $800 million

WINDBER - The Windber Area Authority will try to carve out a slice of the state's bond issue with project applications that could result in funding for $2 million in current and future projects.

Engineer Bradley Stinebiser briefed the board on funding possibilities from the state's $800 million bond issue called H2O PA during the Wednesday meeting.

“We have an opportunity that we should take advantage of,” he said.

H2O PA was approved by state lawmakers earlier this year. The bond was designated for critical water and sewer projects and other infrastructure needs. Projects dating back to 2007 are eligible for funding.

The authority has completed or started a number of projects using a $2.5 million bond issue of its own this year. According to Stinebiser, some of that money could be returned if the state applications are approved.

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Beginning In August, the board approved three large water line replacement projects totaling $1.35 million. Applications for state funding will be sent for all three, Stinebiser said.

Two projects, one commonly called the Mine 35 project, include laying 1,500 feet of 6-inch line along Shady Lane and replacing some existing pipe along Spruce Street at an estimated cost of $846,721. Altogether more than 3,500 feet of line will be laid.

The other large project was a Railroad Street line improvement awarded for $448,532 to Laurel Management of Johnstown. More than 2,500 feet of 4-inch lines laid in 1985 will be replaced with 8-inch lines, increasing water pressure in that area.

Flow studies conducted earlier in 2007 raised concerns among authority officials and engineers about the effectiveness of the system for firefighting purposes.

Project funding, if approved, is subject to a 50 percent match. However, funding from other state agencies such as PENNVEST and the Department of Environmental Protection is eligible for the match amount.